The Far Country (album)

The Far Country is the sixth album by the American singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson, released in 2005. The title is from a quote by Meister Eckhart, a 16th-century German spiritual teacher that says, "God is at home. We are in the far country."[1]

The Far Country
Studio album by Andrew Peterson
Released	August 30, 2005
Genre	Christian pop, Christian rock, folk rock
Length	42:31
Label	Fervent
Producer	Ben Shive
Andrew Peterson chronology
Behold the Lamb of God (2004) The Far Country (2005) Resurrection Letters, Volume Two (2008)

Background

Peterson worked with Ben Shive, in the production of this album.[2] Fervent Records released the album on August 30, 2005.[3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[3]
CCM Magazine	A[2]
Christian Broadcasting Network	[4]
Christianity Today	[5]
Cross Rhythms	[6]
Jesus Freak Hideout	[7]
The Phantom Tollbooth	4.5/5[8]

Awarding the album four and a half stars at AllMusic, Jared Johnson states, "The Far Country saw Andrew Peterson going to great lengths to create a thought-provoking acoustic concept album, a sparkling feat indeed considering how dry the CCM-folk well had run by 2005."[3] David Mackle, rating the album an A for CCM Magazine, writes, "The Far Country, exudes a pride swallowing intimacy that begs you to bend your ear its way and then pushes you toward hope...Peterson is writing his own legacy, and you need to hear it."[2] Giving the album four and a half stars from Christianity Today, Russ Breimeier says, "Peterson excels with relatable lyrics grounded in both Scripture and everyday life, thus communicating timeless truths, rather than merely reciting them."[5] Jennifer E. Jones, indicating in a four spins review by Christian Broadcasting Network, replies, "His signature sound of quiet folk has barely changed a note, which works for Peterson because it allows his stellar lyric-writing skills to shine."[4] Signaling in a four and a half star review at Jesus Freak Hideout, Laura Nunnery describes, "Peterson's songs may have a folk sound, but they are anything but boring."[7] Michael Dalton, rating the album a four and a half from The Phantom Tollbooth, responds, "Andrew Peterson directs us toward home in a way that makes it a little easier to live in the far country...This is a look to heaven that alternates between hope, yearning and joy."[8] Giving the album a seven out of ten for Cross Rhythms, Mike Rimmer recognizes, "Elsewhere the acoustic sounds, poppy melodies and sensitive arrangements make this a winner if not a little derivative of Mullins' oeuvre."[6]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Andrew Peterson unless otherwise noted.

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Far Country"	Peterson, Ben Shive	4:35
2.	"Lay Me Down"		4:07
3.	"Queen of Iowa"		3:58
4.	"Little Boy Heart"		4:36
5.	"Haven's Grey"	Peterson, Shive	3:58
6.	"Mystery of Mercy"	Randall Goodgame, Peterson	3:19
7.	"Mountains on the Ocean Floor"		4:54
8.	"All Shall Be Well"		4:33
9.	"For the Love of God"		5:03
10.	"More"	Peterson, Pierce Pettis	3:28
Total length:			42:31

References

1. "Andrew Peterson: Going Far". Crosswalk. Retrieved June 27, 2015.
2. Mackle, David. "Andrew Peterson: The Far Country" (PDF). CCM Magazine. p. 44. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
3. Johnson, Jared (August 30, 2005). "The Far Country – Andrew Peterson". AllMusic. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
4. Jones, Jennifer E. "Peterson, Andrew: The Far Country". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
5. Breimeier, Russ (August 30, 2005). "The Far Country". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on September 7, 2009. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
6. Rimmer, Mike (October 3, 2005). "Review: The Far Country – Andrew Peterson". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
7. Nunnery, Laura (August 15, 2005). "Andrew Peterson, "The Far Country" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
8. Dalton, Michael (July 27, 2005). "Peterson, Andrew – The Far Country". The Phantom Tollbooth. Retrieved October 6, 2015.